1 CORINTHIANS 4:21 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?”
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit? — Paul's choice is between stern discipline ('with a whip,' en rabdō, lit. a rod) and loving gentleness (agapē en pneumati praytēs, love in a spirit of gentleness). The 'whip' does not suggest violence but corrective authority. Yet Paul prefers love. The Corinthians' behavior determines which Paul they will meet: the severe corrector or the tender father.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 4:21
“What will you? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of meekness?” There is much both of terror and of gentleness in this saying. For to say, “I will know,” was the language of one as yet withholding himself: but to say, “What will you? Must I come unto you with a rod?” are the words of one thenceforth ascending the teacher's seat, and from thence holding discourses with them and taking upon him all his authority. What means, “with a rod?” With…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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